London Skolars Rugby League

When London Skolars joined the National League in 2002, they became the first club in 80 years to climb from amateur to professional level.

The Skolars were formed in 1995 and started playing at the New River Stadium, with post-university students largely making up their numbers.

They began in the London League and then became one of the founding members of the Southern Conference, winning the first ever title.

In 1997 the Skolars entered the National Conference League and played winter and summer rugby for four consecutive seasons.

Three years later they won the Southern Division of the Conference and in 2002 they applied for and were accepted into the National League.

It was a tough debut, as they finished bottom of National League Two at the end of their first season in 2003, but the following campaign improved, winning the Middlesex Nines.

The appointment of Latham Tawhai, the former New Zealand international, as the Skolars' first full-time coach in 2005 was another step in the right direction, although he left for London neighbours Harlequins after two years and was replaced by Tony Benson.

Benson has also left since and been replaced by Callum Irving, Benson's former assistant.